The Boys’ Thirds soccer team made it two in a row to start the season on Saturday afternoon at home. Six different players put goals up for Deerfield. Sophomore Winston Cho, starting at striker for the first time, got us on the board early in the first half, thanks to a precise assist from Ari Santos at attacking midfielder. Santos serviced up another skillful pass up front to allow Will Yang, at left wing, to score soon after. Forward Jack Willet, who scored in the team’s opener, next made it 3-0. Then center back Jack Rohan, fresh off his victory at Friday’s penalty kick competition during practice, moved up the length of the field to take a free kick just outside of the penalty box. His powerful shot sent the ball over the wall of defenders and just above the keeper’s outstretched hands. James Kurto, relieving Cho at center forward, sent Deerfield to halftime up by five. Despite the lopsided score, goalie Jack Chorske was the real difference maker in the first half, frequently facing pressure and always making the smart play, including some memorable saves. The offense proved much better at retaining possession in the second half, which featured a weak-foot goal from Santos that sent the bench and sidelines into a frenzy. Other standout performances included forward Walter Burkley team-first shift to outside defender, where his speed and skill and grit led teammate Yurok Song to call him an exemplar of “the modern fullback.” Athlete of the Week Kiefer Ebling gamely helped out on defense, too, and proved capable of stopping forwards who towered over him. And senior Luke Shields selflessly remained on the field for most of the second half under a hot sun when we didn’t have the numbers to sub him out. The team is growing in confidence and chemistry and looks forward to its first road contest at Loomis on Wednesday.